The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
You need the best headphones for noise cancellation for your needs, whether you need to block out the hum of your HVAC system or you are looking to combat the background noise of jet engines. The new Sony WH-1000XM5s have become the new kings of active noise cancellation, and their predecessors are also fantastic.
We've considered the adjustability of ANC as well as touch controls and on-ear detection (for pausing music when you take off your headphones). Our top picks have high-quality audio, comfortable earcups and large earcups.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The fifth generation of Sony's flagship headphones is a major upgrade over its predecessor, with better noise cancellation and improved audio quality. Its remarkable ANC creates a virtual cone over your head, suffocating an astonishing amount of low-frequency sounds. The ear cups also block mid-treble and high-treble sounds like passenger chatter or the creaking of metal, as well as the clanging of dishware.
Contrary to some noise cancelling headphones that sound hollow or unnatural, the WH1000XM5s are very natural-sounding. They are able to render the drums of Billie Eilish with astonishing clarity and keep the edges clean and pristine. They're a joy to listen to during a commute or long flight.
A capacitive touch-screen on the right ear cup handles the most common controls, including play/pause, volume up/down, skip forwards/backwards and skip. It also lets you end and answer calls and switch between ANC mode and ambient sound. Alternately, hold and press the power button for a few seconds to hear a voice message indicating the remaining battery life.
The new QN1 microphone is a significant improvement over the XM5s. It is designed to capture high quality audio while recording podcasts and videos. The microphone is more sensitive and has a wider audio range than previous models making it easier to pick up your own voice.
The XM5 has also brought over certain features that were XM4's, such as the adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance in accordance with the environment. The 'Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed, and will pause music or video. It will resume it when they are put back on. It's compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine, which increases the quality of compressed music to nearly high-res resolution.
2. Sony WH-1000XM4
The WH-1000XM4s are the most recent version of Sony's top-of-the-line over ear headphones, and although they don't have the same amount of active noise cancellation as the WH-1000XM5s, they provide top-of-the-line performance. Alongside the improved Bluetooth and an improved noise-canceling algorithm, the WH-1000XM4s boast a new audio chip that can boost music files to HD quality and has more advanced voice controls.
Sony has upgraded the WH1000XM4s of the latest version by adding padding to the headband and extending the microphones to the outside. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.
They're also more versatile, allowing you to switch between five different sound modes depending on your environment. You can also customize your EQ settings using the Sony headphones app. The app allows you to track your activity, and automatically optimize the settings. They are a great option for those who travel.
noise cancelling over ear headphones is the WH1000XM4's noise cancellation which has been made more effective by increasing the sensitiveness and improving the way it blocks out low frequencies. It can be evaluated by looking at graphs such as the one above. The higher the peaks, more sounds are canceled out. The WH1000XM4s also do better at reducing low-frequency noises such as the hum from an air conditioning unit or the constant rumble from the engine of a plane.
The WH1000XM4s come with a variety of great features, including a 30-hour battery life and a USB-C charge port. They also have Quick Alert, which lets you tap the right earcup to dampen the music and turn on transparency mode; Speak To Chat stops media when you speak (and is effective, even though it can sometimes fail to detect taps) and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can detect and analyze your surroundings to provide better audio.
3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II (or QC35 Wireless 2018) are headphones for over-ear use that were released in September 2017. They've been replaced by the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 701 that will be available in 2021. However, they are still popular and affordable.
The QC35 II is a great pair for mixed-use wireless headphones. They offer an incredibly comfortable fit and neutral sound profile by default. They also provide outstanding noise isolation. They can be used for travel or in noisy environments and last for more than a day on a single battery charge. They can also be used with the majority of smart assistants and are activated via a dedicated button. You can ask them to play music and answer trivia questions or even read notifications from your smartphone.
They have a wide opening in the ear padded that can accommodate a variety of ears and shapes. They are extremely light. The housings' hinges can be folded down to make them easier to store in a bag or a backpack. The controls on the right side of the headphone are easily placed and comfortable to use. A series of taps can be used to control playback, including skipping and rewinding songs.
For a good example of the quality you can expect from these Bose headphones we played The Beatles' Let It Be and listened to drum beats and piano parts. The QC35 II deliver crisp, clear sound that is well-rounded and detailed. They are able to detect subtleties such as Paul McCartney’s irregular timing as he builds up to the chorus or Gerard Way's snarl when he laments teenage personalism in teenagers.
The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants and can connect to up to 2 devices simultaneously. The QC35 II also come with the carry case as well as a USB cable that charges quickly.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
Sony is a brand known for producing excellent headphones at a relatively affordable price. The budget-friendly WH-CH720N headphones from Sony are not a different. They carry a lot of the features that make premium WH-1000XM5 headphones so great however, they have an affordable design. They also offer a decent amount of active noise cancellation at a low price.
These headphones have high-performance drivers of 30mm that deliver crisp high frequencies and plenty of bass. They also feature an even tuning that makes them sound great with a variety of genres of music. They also have a wide soundstage that helps you be immersed in your music.
The WH-CH720N headphones utilize buttons instead of the gestures and touch controls of the XM5 headphones. This could be a bit of an issue as the buttons can be confusing at first. The controls are strategically placed and are clearly labeled. Double presses of the '+' button pause and play audio. A single press lowers the volume. By pressing and holding the button the button, voice assistants will be launched and calls are canceled.
These headphones can last for up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is the best battery performance we've ever witnessed in over-ear headphones. They also feature a standby mode to help conserve battery.
The WH-CH720N can be connected to Android phones and iOS devices via Bluetooth. They are compatible with LDAC which allows them to play high-resolution audio on compatible devices. They also work with PlayStation consoles that have an analog 1/8" TRS cable. They can also be used as wired headphones on a PC using the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect App lets you personalize your headphones with an EQ slider, presets and multipoint connectivity.
5. B&W PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is a follow-up to a successful predecessor and isn't an unfinished update. They feature a more sleek design and a brand-new application. They deliver on their promise of high-end build quality, delivering audio that faithfully communicates artistic intent. They are also extremely comfortable to wear throughout the day.
Although they aren't as good as the noise cancellation of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH-1000XM5 however, they do a excellent job of blocking out environmental sounds and ensuring you are able to concentrate on your music, podcasts or handheld gaming without distractions. They have a six-microphone setup (four for the noise cancellation and two for voice-recording) and a new algorithm which reduce ambient sound by 30dB. They're also among the few Bluetooth headphones we've reviewed that can be used in passive mode, allowing you to listen to your content on their own, without putting power to the drive units.
The B&W Music app is also compatible with a free download that offers a range of features that complement the excellent noise cancellation. It includes the Quick Action button that cycles through three different modes of environmental that display battery life and can be configured to activate your device's voice assistant. It's a pain to press and hold the button to activate it - a single press is more convenient and intuitive.
The PX7 S2 is an audiophile pair that will delight lovers of music. The PX7 S2 headphones aren't as well suited to demanding music genres such as metal and rock, which favor bass-heavy productions and muddy low-frequency as they are to folk, classical, and acoustic. But, they will still impress those who value audiophile credentials, and are practical and convenient.